King Philippe responds to criticism over spa photo during level 4 terror alert

A photo of Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde relaxing at a spa in France's Brittany at the moment when the terror alert in Brussels was raised to maximum level 4, has caused a stir after it was published in the French satirical weekly Le Canard Enchainé. The royal couple responded to the uproar among members of the press and public, calling it "trivial when compared with the suffering of the families of victims of the attacks in Paris and Bamako", writes De Morgen.

In the notorious leaked photo, King Philippe is seen dressed in a bathrobe while sipping from a glass at a French hotel. The photograph is dated during the period that the terror level in Brussels reached the maximum level four, and Brussels residents were requested to stay inside.

King Philippe was “kept informed at all times” during the weekend getaway, according to the royal palace. The palace admittedly regrets the photo, "which was taken without permission in the private sphere,” adding that “everyone has a right to privacy, even the king."